Loafers aren't just for suits anymore.
Few brands have pushed that idea further than Duke + Dexter, taking a traditional footwear silhouette and giving it a much more contemporary identity through bold colours, printed artwork, embroidery and unexpected detailing.
Whether you've bought your first pair or you're deciding which style to go for, here's how we'd wear Duke + Dexter loafers.
Absolutely — and we'd argue that's one of the best ways to wear them.
Although the loafer has traditionally been associated with smarter dressing, Duke + Dexter styles work particularly well when they're contrasted against more relaxed clothing.
Think:
The important thing is not to overthink it.
A statement pair of D+D loafers already brings plenty of character to an outfit, so sometimes the simplest combinations work best.
Yes.
Jeans and Duke + Dexter loafers are one of the easiest combinations to get right.
We'd generally choose straight, relaxed or slightly wider denim rather than an extremely skinny fit.
A simple combination of blue denim, a white T-shirt and statement D+D loafers gives the shoes room to stand out without making the outfit feel overly styled.
Black denim works particularly well with darker leather loafers, while washed blue denim can complement some of D+D's more colourful or graphic designs.
Relaxed tailored trousers are another strong option.
Look for trousers that fall cleanly over the leg without completely covering the shoe. A slightly cropped trouser can also work particularly well because it allows the loafer to remain visible.
For something more casual, try a pair of relaxed chinos or workwear-inspired trousers.
The contrast between a smarter leather loafer and a more utilitarian trouser is exactly what makes the combination interesting.
If you've chosen one of D+D's more distinctive printed or illustrated loafers, we'd keep the rest of the outfit relatively restrained.
Let the footwear become the focal point.
For example:
Statement D+D Loafers
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Black or neutral trousers
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Plain or subtly graphic T-shirt
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Relaxed jacket or overshirt
You don't necessarily need to match every colour in the shoe with something you're wearing.
In fact, trying too hard to coordinate a heavily illustrated loafer can make an outfit feel less natural.
A black loafer is probably the easiest place to start if you're new to the silhouette.
Wear them with black trousers and a white T-shirt for something minimal, or introduce washed denim for a more casual look.
For evening wear, combine black loafers with relaxed tailored trousers, a knitted polo or a clean shirt.
You still get the smarter appearance of a traditional loafer without needing to wear a full suit.
Brown leather works particularly well with warmer and more natural colours.
Try brown D+D loafers with:
Ecru or cream trousers, washed blue denim, olive, beige, navy or earthy tones.
For autumn, we'd pair them with relaxed trousers, knitwear and a heavier jacket.
During spring and summer, switch to a heavyweight T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt.
Yes — particularly during warmer months.
Loafers with shorts give you that slightly smarter summer look without becoming too formal.
The trick is keeping the shorts relatively clean and simple. Tailored or relaxed cotton shorts generally work better than heavily technical sports styles.
Add a heavyweight T-shirt, knitted polo or relaxed shirt and finish with your D+D loafers.
Both socks and no-show socks can work.
A clean white sock gives loafers a more contemporary, casual feel and works particularly well with shorts or cropped trousers.
Black or darker socks can make the transition between trouser and shoe more understated.
Alternatively, no-show socks give you the appearance of wearing loafers barefoot while still providing some comfort and protection inside the shoe.
Definitely.
Despite D+D's contemporary approach, you're still working with a classic loafer silhouette.
A simple leather pair can work brilliantly with relaxed tailoring.
We'd avoid making everything excessively formal. A slightly looser suit, unstructured tailoring or trousers paired with a knitted polo can feel much more natural with Duke + Dexter.
For weddings and events, some of the more distinctive D+D designs can also give an otherwise conventional outfit some personality.
Your loafers should feel secure around the foot without being painfully tight.
Duke + Dexter generally recommends taking your usual size in its Penny Loafers and sizing up if you're between sizes.
We've covered this in much more detail in our Duke + Dexter Loafer Size Guide, including what to do if you're between sizes and how a new pair should feel.
You don't have to stop at the footwear.
Duke + Dexter's clothing collection follows much of the same design language as its shoes, with vintage graphics, motorsport influences, relaxed silhouettes and statement artwork appearing throughout the range.
A D+D graphic T-shirt with relaxed trousers and a pair of Wilde loafers makes an easy full look.
However, we'd avoid feeling like everything has to come from the same collection.
Mix D+D pieces with the rest of your wardrobe and let one or two elements become the focus.
Explore the latest Duke + Dexter loafers, sneakers, clothing and accessories at TRIADS.
We've been an independent designer menswear retailer since 1988, with selected Duke + Dexter pieces available both online and from our store in Yarm.
Shop online with free UK delivery on orders over £100, worldwide DHL Express shipping and duties & taxes included on eligible international orders.
We also offer student discount, Klarna and Clearpay, plus 10% off your first order with WELCOME10.
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